Zebrasoma flavescens

Common Names:

Yellow Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang

Synonyms:

Family:

Acanthuridae

Category:

Acanthuroids

Distribution:

Pacific - Eastern; Western Indo-Pacific

Main Ecosystem:

Reef; Reef

Temperament:

Active; Generally make good tankmates for most fish, but are known to be slightly territorial. This species often does not get along with other tangs, bullying peaceful species (and conspecifics) while being dominated by the more aggressive tangs. Only one tang should be kept in most cases. In very large aquariums, it is possible to create a shoal that would mimic their natural behaviors.

As with all tangs, the yellow tang is a very active swimmer and needs a lot of space.

Diet:

Herbivore; Yellow tangs are heavy plant eaters. Their constant activity and high metabolism mean that they need to consume a lot of greens to stay healthy. For this reason, it is extremely helpful to have a constant source of algae for these fish to pick at throughout the day. Feedings of algae flakes, dried seaweed, macroalgae, and vegetables such as lettuce help to ensure that these fish get enough plant matter in their diet. These tangs will also happily eat many different frozen foods as well as microi

Care:

A good beginner tang, the yellow tang is hardier than most other Acanthurids. Even still, it requires high oxygenation, clean water, and a large aquarium (at least seventy-five gallons is recommended). Tangs are susceptible to head and lateral line erosion if subject to poor nutrition, and the yellow tang is no exception.

Tank raised specimens usually fare well and although they cost more than wild caught, they have much better survival records.

pH:

Temperature:

24°C - 28°C

75°F - 82°F

Specific Gravity:

1.023 - 1.027

Potential Size:

Male: 20cm (7.9")
Female: 20cm (7.9")

Water Region:

Middle; Middle

Activity:

Diurnal; Diurnal

Gender:

Females of this species often reach a slightly larger size than males. Gender is still very difficult to determine, however.

Breeding:

Have been bred in captivity.

Variants:

Comments:

Main Colours:

Yellow

Markings:

No Markings

Mouth:

Normal

Tail:

Flat

Search:

Image Credit:

;Dan

Submitted By:

Dan

Contributors:

badandy409, Racso, sirbooks, Chibils

History:

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